100 Greatest U.S Coins
* Image/Content from Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
Evolution and Legacy: A Dive into Paramount U.S. Coins
Selecting the paramount 100 U.S. coins can present a daunting challenge, especially since the evolution of coinage since 1965. The commencement of the contemporary coin era marked a significant transition for the U.S. Mint, with the introduction of copper-nickel “clad” coins as a substitute for the erstwhile silver counterparts. This shift brought an end to a venerable 173-year tradition, raising concerns among collectors about the diminishing intrinsic value and soaring mintages of the newly introduced currency.
Perceiving the post-1965 coinage as commonplace, lackluster, and uninspiring, many collectors lamented the apparent downfall of numismatic allure. However, amidst this transformation, the timeless essence of the Fugio Cent, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, the 1916 dime, and the 1933 Double Eagle, among other esteemed coins, endures as a testament to the enduring legacy of American coinage. These illustrious artifacts, often referred to as “Generational Coins,” have traversed numerous epochs, predating the standardization of modern grading practices.